Do You Have A Perfect Bra Fit?

Start with this simple first step: If you own a bra that fits you perfectly, buy that size. Second, for review a bra is made up of two measured components: band size (i.e. 34, 36, 38) and cup size (i.e. A, B, C). How do you know if your bra is a perfect fit?

Here are some guidelines:

Band Size: Make sure the band fits correctly. If the band is too tight and just plain uncomfortable, it's too small. Signs that your band size is too big include breasts falling out from the bottom of your bra, and the back riding up. A correctly sized band will fit firmly around your back, where most of the support is. The back and front of the band should be even and parallel to the floor.

The Band Test: Try this little test with your bra hooked on the loosest setting: ask someone to put their hand between your back and the back of your bra, then to turn their hand 90 degrees. Their hand should now be very firmly wedged and they should not be able to pull the bra further away from your back.
A new bra should be able to pass this test with the clasp on the loosest fitting- this allows you to tighten the bra as it stretches with wear and washing. Never try a bra on its tightest fitting -- it should fit on its loosest.

 Cup Size: The cups should be large enough so that your breasts are encased and don't bulge out. If it is an underwire bra, make sure the underwires aren't poking breast tissue. It's best if the fabric panel between the cups sits firmly against your chest (sternum), although with some makes and styles, this won't be exact. 

To Find the Right Size

To find your correct bra size, begin by wearing your best fitting bra - unpadded, and not a minimizer or sports bra (underwire doesn't matter). If possible, have someone other than yourself take the measurements. Not only is it faster, it also tends to be more accurate.

Band Size 

With  your bra on, place a tape measure around your rib cage directly under the bust and measure. Use the chart below to determine your band size.

Cup Size

• 1. Standing straight, with your arms at your side, measure around your body at the fullest part of your bust. Wrap the tape measure around you so that it is just touching, but not binding. Note: Again, look in a mirror to assure the tape is parallel to the floor. Round up or down to the nearest inch as you did to find your band size.
• 2. Now, subtract your band size measurement from this second measurement. The difference is your cup size (see chart below).